Piraeus

🚢 Piraeus: The Gateway to Athens & The Greek Islands

📍 Location: 12 km southwest of Athens, Greece 🇬🇷
🚢 Best for: Maritime history, Greek island ferries & waterfront dining

🌟 Why Visit Piraeus?
✔️ Largest port in Greece – Key hub for ferries & cruise ships 🚢
✔️ Rich Greek history – Home to museums & ancient ruins 🏛️
✔️ Waterfront tavernas & seafood restaurants 🍽️
✔️ Easy access to Athens & nearby beaches 🏖️
✔️ Bustling nightlife & shopping districts 🛍️

🏛️ Top Attractions in Piraeus

1️⃣ Hellenic Maritime Museum – A Tribute to Greece’s Naval Power ⚓
✔️ Largest maritime museum in Greece
✔️ Exhibits include ancient & modern ships, naval uniforms & maps
✔️ Famous artifacts: Aegina’s bronze warship & Greek warship miniatures

⏳ Best time to visit: Morning to avoid crowds

2️⃣ Piraeus Archaeological Museum – Ancient Art & Statues 🏺
✔️ Fascinating collection of statues, tombs & artifacts
✔️ Highlights include: Kore of Piraeus (6th-century BC statue) & bronze Apollo statue
✔️ Exhibits from Mycenaean, Classical & Roman eras

3️⃣ Mikrolimano – Seaside Dining & Views 🍽️
✔️ One of the most picturesque harbors in Piraeus
✔️ Best seafood restaurants & cafés overlooking the marina
✔️ Great spot for sunset drinks & romantic dinners

🍽️ Top restaurants:
✔️ Varoulko Seaside – Michelin-star seafood
✔️ Papaioannou – Traditional Greek seafood
✔️ Zorbas – Authentic taverna with sea views

4️⃣ Kastella Hill – The Best Views Over Piraeus 🌅
✔️ Panoramic views of Piraeus & the Aegean Sea
✔️ Charming old houses & narrow streets
✔️ Peaceful escape from the busy port

5️⃣ Zea Marina – Luxury Yachts & Shopping 🛍️
✔️ One of Greece’s most elegant marinas
✔️ Luxury yachts, waterfront cafés & designer boutiques
✔️ Perfect for an evening stroll & people-watching

🏖️ Beaches Near Piraeus
🏝️ Votsalakia Beach – Nearest sandy beach, 10 min from the port
🌊 Freatida Beach – Small, quiet beach with clear water
🌿 Glyfada Beach – Best for swimming & nightlife (~30 min from Piraeus)
🐚 Vouliagmeni Beach – One of the best beaches in Athens (~45 min away)

🍽️ What to Eat in Piraeus?
🐙 Grilled Octopus – Fresh, smoky & best served with lemon
🍤 Garides Saganaki – Shrimp cooked in tomato sauce & feta cheese
🐟 Lavraki (Sea Bass) – A local specialty, served grilled
🍷 Ouzo & Meze Platters – Classic Greek experience with seafood & small plates

📍 Best seafood restaurants in Piraeus:
✔️ Varoulko Seaside – Michelin-star seafood experience
✔️ Jimmy & The Fish – Laid-back, waterfront seafood taverna
✔️ Margaro – Legendary spot for fried shrimp & seafood platters

🏨 Where to Stay in Piraeus?
🏡 Luxury:
✔️ The Alex Monte Kastella – Boutique hotel with rooftop bar & sea views
✔️ Piraeus Theoxenia – 5-star hotel near the port

🏡 Mid-Range:
✔️ Phidias Piraeus Hotel – Great value & free shuttle to the ferry port
✔️ Gallery Suites & Residences – Stylish & modern rooms near Zea Marina

🏡 Budget:
✔️ Anita Hotel – Affordable & close to Piraeus Port
✔️ Hotel Noufara – Basic but comfortable stay

🚆 How to Get to & Around Piraeus?
✈️ From Athens Airport (ATH) to Piraeus:
🚆 Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) → Change at Monastiraki → Take Metro Line 1 (Green Line) to Piraeus (~1 hour)
🚌 X96 Express Bus → Direct to Piraeus Port (50 min)

🚢 From Piraeus to Greek Islands:
✔️ Regular ferries to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete & more
✔️ Ferry duration: 4-8 hours (depending on destination)

🚖 Getting around Piraeus:
✔️ Walking – Best for exploring Mikrolimano & Kastella
✔️ Buses & Metro – Cheap & convenient
✔️ Taxis & Uber – Affordable for short trips

🏆 Why Piraeus is a Must-Visit
✔️ A blend of history, culture & seaside charm 🏛️
✔️ Best seafood & waterfront dining near Athens 🍽️
✔️ The gateway to the Greek Islands 🚢
✔️ Scenic marinas, vibrant nightlife & amazing views 🌅